We’ve made it to February, Huskies, and things are rolling at the University of Connecticut. Students are busy with club meetings, cheering on the men’s and women’s basketball teams and all the other joys and pressures of college life. But it’s important to not let work take over, and one of the best ways to have some fun is spending your weekend nights dancing and moshing in the best DIY venues the Connecticut scene has to offer. Here’s a look at the best spots to catch live music across the Nutmeg state this weekend.
Friday 2/7: South Whitney Pizza “Poetry Slam” – Hartford
Poetry slams are an exciting event where poets duke it out in a battle of words. But have you ever heard of a poetry slam that also has live music? Well, that’s exactly what’s going down at South Whitney Pizza in Hartford, Conn., on Friday, Feb. 5. The night will feature a poetry slam and performances from two bands, Stoplight Makeout and Storrs-favorite Lootbug.
For those looking for something different than any show you’ve seen before, then this is a great option. Doors open at 7 p.m., music and poetry start at 8 p.m. and there is a $10 suggested donation. All ages are welcome to attend, though attendees must be 21 or older to drink.
Saturday 2/8: Cafe Nine “Scooped Up Acoustic Show” – New Haven
Most shows in the Connecticut music scene feature loud, electric rock and roll, but that doesn’t mean acoustic shows never happen. If you and your eardrums are looking for something softer, then look no further than this show at Cafe Nine in New Haven on Saturday, Feb. 8.
The fully acoustic show is hosted by Scooped Up!, the rising pop-punk band from Milford, Conn. Also on the bill is Ruby Leftstep, one of the best and most popular bands among the Storrs crowd. Rounding out the bill is Hawkins French and Cinema Stare. Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m. and admission is $10. Showgoers must be 18 or older to attend.
Saturday 2/8: South Whitney Pizza “Cecil’s Birthday Show” – Hartford
Time for some birthday festivities! Cecil Yang, the frontperson of riot grrrl band Cat Crash, is celebrating their twenty-second birthday with a show at South Whitney Pizza in Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, Feb. 8. Joining Cat Crash is Part of the Problem, who has made frequent appearances in Storrs, as well as Jack Flowers and The Pedal Tones, an alternative punk group from New Jersey. Doors open at 5 p.m. and there is a $20 suggested donation. Like Friday night’s show, all ages are welcome to attend, though attendees must be 21 or older to drink.
Saturday 2/8: Crunch House – West Haven
Another weekend, another Crunch House show. There’s been no shortage of great shows at this noted DIY venue in West Haven, Conn., and this weekend is no exception. The four-band lineup is highlighted by Lootbug, who will be making the trek down from Storrs, and Braintree, one of four bands competing in WHUS Radio’s Battle of The Bands next Saturday. Joining them is Lazy Faire and Polluter. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. and admission is $10. Showgoers must be 18 or older to attend.
Saturday 2/8: Emerging Echoes “Independent Artists Showcase Volume 5: Winterfest” – Meriden
Emerging Echoes, a Connecticut-based book agency that focuses on local bands, is hosting the fifth edition of its “Independent Artists Showcase” series on Saturday, Feb. 5 at United Rhythms Dance Studio in Meriden, Conn. The lineup features multiple solo artists, including Vincent Blair, Edwin Camille, Trishawn and the duo Cisco Moon and Shea. Rounding out the lineup is Radiodonta, the fresh and exciting New Haven-based alternative rock group. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. and admission is $10.